BJSM Urges NCST to Reject ST Status for Six Communities

The Bodoland Janajati Suraksha Mancha (BJSM) has urged the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to intervene and reject the Assam government’s proposal to grant ST status to six communities. In a memorandum submitted on Friday, BJSM said the inclusion of Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Sutia, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes would adversely affect the rights and safeguards of existing ST communities.

The organisation argued that the six groups do not meet constitutional criteria for ST status and warned that their inclusion would dilute reservations, land rights and political representation meant for indigenous tribal communities.